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THE latest rumours over the potential
2010 F1 driver line-ups were doing
the rounds in Monza, with some
interesting names being linked to
some surprising teams.
Top of the list is the very strong and
persistent rumour that Kimi Raikkonen
will make a surprise return to McLaren
next season, to partner Lewis Hamilton.
Such an idea is not out of the realms
of possibility, as with former CEO Ron
Dennis no longer playing a role with
the McLaren F1 Team, one of the major
obstacles in any potential return has
already been overcome.
Until recently the name most widely
linked to the second McLaren seat had
been that of Nico Rosberg, thanks in
no small part to his German nationality
pleasing McLaren partner Mercedes.
With the news this week, however,
that Mercedes is interested in taking a
75 percent stake in the championship-
leading BrawnGP team, Rosberg is
now being strongly linked with a move
there to partner Jenson Button.
Current Brawn driver Rubens
Barrichello appears to have a fight on
his hands to stay in F1 next season,
regardless of whether he wins the
championship, with his most likely
destination believed to be Williams
to partner newly-crowned GP2 Series
champion Nico Hulkenberg, although
departing McLaren driver Heikki
Kovalainen is also being spoken of
to partner the German young gun at
Williams.
The driver market remains in flux,
however, and until we have a clearer
idea over Felipe Massa's expected return
date for Ferrari, and a decision over the
future of Fernando Alonso, we do not
expect any major announcements to
take place.
Raikkonen back to McLaren?
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